JULY 23-26, 2026 | WENDI KIRBY MUSIC | monterey, california
PIANO UNSCRIPTED:
A Retreat into the Keys of Authentic Expression
with Wendi Kirby
Over four days, you will learn core practices that are designed to improve and expand your playing from note reading to self expression through improvisation.
I will guide you through facilitated practices at the piano - deep listening, and embodiment practices that will allow you to develop the capacity to play with greater freedom, clarity, and ease.
Our setting is the Wendi Kirby Music, nestled between the inspiring coastal villages of Monterey and Carmel, a retreat environment that supports focus and connection. Together, we will usher more freedom to your practice and connection in creative community.
There are only 12 seats available in this journey.
If you are curious, please do register to join us.
the early bird price is just $975, now thru may 15.
Prices go up May 16 to $1100, and $1375 for VIP
our work & play
Perception and Response:
Learn to hear, interpret, and respond in real time at the piano.
Embodied Playing:
Learn how working with the breath, sensorial input and radical presence can release tension, and support ease and fluidity at the piano.
Improvisation as Authentic Expression & Language:
Evolve beyond learned patterns toward personal articulation in phrasing, tone, and composition.
Tame the Mind into Ease and Letting the Fingers Play
Identify and shift habits that interrupt flow or limit expression
Group Work:
Experience what is possible when we move from solitary playing to collective improvisation
This is about connection to your music,
and connection to community.
This group is intentionally small, and limited to 12 participants. We will have ample time to create independently and together, share in meals and conversation, and open to the awe of discovery in authentic expression, together.
ONLY 12 SEATS AVAILABLE
THE SCHEDULE
THURSDAY
6PM: The Creative Initiation
We will gather at Wendi Kirby Music for drinks, light bites, music, and community as we step into our creative journey together.
Friday
10:00 AM –12:30
Studio Session: BE-ing at the Piano: Inhale, Inspire, Intuition
1:45- 4:30 PM
Studio session: Where Form Meets Flow: Presence, Pattern, and Possibility
Integration session: Where Breath Meets Sound: Gentle yoga & breath work with live improvised piano
4:30 - 5:30 PM
Group Beach Walk & art visit
saturday
10:00 AM –12:30
Integration: Sound & Vibrational Healing with Wendi & guests
Studio Session: Finding Inspiration at the Piano & Community Improvisation
1:45- 4:30 PM
Studio session: Mindset Practice: Creative Conditioning for the Seasoned Perfectionist
Integration session: Awe Walk
6 PM
Community Dinner & Sound: Co-Created Sensory Experience of food, wine, & music
SUNDAY
10:00 AM-12
Integration Circle: Community Closing Session
This retreat is designed for adults at any level who are yearning for a more expansive experience at the keyboard… even if you've never improvised a note in your life.
Through exploring creative mindset, guided improvisation, and artistic immersion experiences, you will transform your playing.
Most of all, you will rekindle your joy in playing the piano.
join us for four days ON THE CALIFORNIA COAST
ONLY 12 SEATS AVAILABLE
this is about the keys to authentic expression
This journey to opening the keyboard has been the defining experience of my life.
After decades of rigid practice and performance, my life opened to the potential of true joy and expansion, back at the keyboard, through specific strategies of improvisation.
What I learned and now share is specific techniques to free oneself into authentic expression at the keyboard. This methodology, Piano Freeology, includes the whole body and self, and has the potential to transform the way you play into a whole new joyful experience of music.
I welcome your inquiries and questions, and most of all, to join us for Piano Unscripted to be in community, and learn these techniques live on the inspiring Central California Coast.
DETAILS
PRICING
Earlybird thru May 15: $975
May 16 onward: $1100
VIP: $1375
Includes full retreat + one private 90-minute session [online] with Wendi
WHAT IS INCLUDED?
Tuition includes all programming, light breakfast offered in the mornings, and a very special dining experience, including wine, will be co-created on Saturday night.
All other meals can be procured locally in the village, just walking distance from Wendi Kirby Music.
WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED?
Travel, transfers, accommodations, and other meals are not included. There is ample lodging in the area within walking distance to Wendi Kirby Music.
MAKE IT
vip
Add a special 90-minute 1:1 session with Wendi for just $285
(after May 15, the VIP ticket will go to $1375)
We will use the tool of the piano to transform our relationship not just to our own playing, but to music in its entirety.
I look forward to seeing you.